NLC Reengagement Network

Connecting Youth and Young Adults to School, Work and Civic Life

The Reengagement Network supports city leaders and communities to improve outcomes for the millions of youth and young adults between 16 -24 years old who are not in school or working.

For a growing number of sites across the country, The NLC staff helps share and adopt practices that:

Reengage disconnected youth and young adults
Improve support systems
Remove obstacles to educational advancement

Click Here to View a Map of Sites in the NLC Reengagement Network.

Reengaging Opportunity Youth in the South Cohort

The National League of Cities (NLC) launched its Reengaging Opportunity Youth in the South Cohort to support the emergence of reengagement efforts in the Southeast and Southwest United States. The YEF Institute will work closely with cities to develop local reengagement centers or programs through individualized and peer learning processes. Together, selected cities will assess needs and capabilities, consult with Opportunity Youth themselves, create a local implementation plan, and receive tailored support to create and expand reengagement programs.

NLC is proud to work with the following eight cities on this important initiative:

Corpus Christi, TX
Houston, TX
El Paso, TX
Little Rock, AR
Rock Hill, SC
Jackson, MS
St. Petersburg, FL
Louisville, KY

Benefits to participating cities 

Cities selected to join the cohort will gain access to a broad range of benefits, including: 

Individualized technical assistance and guidance to develop and implement a reengagement program or Center for Opportunity Youth
Links to resources, peer learning, and national experts through virtual meetings and convenings 
At least one in-person site visit by a YEF Institute staff member and one cohort meeting (pending pandemic safety measures) 
Training and support on best practices to engage and support opportunity youth

Eligibility

To be eligible for this technical assistance initiative of the YEF Institute, the Mayor and city team must demonstrate a broad commitment to implementing a reengagement program in their community during a 18-month period, beginning in January 2022. The YEF Institute seeks applications from cities in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky and Oklahoma.  Groups of two or more neighboring cities may apply. The YEF Institute will prioritize the participation of cities that hold NLC membership in good standing. 

How to apply for the Reengaging Opportunity Youth in the South Cohort

NLC is currently accepting applications for this Reengaging Opportunity Youth in the South Cohort. The application deadline is January 7, 2022.

Before submitting your application, review the Request For Proposal (RFP) to learn more about the initiative and key information required to start your application.
Once you’ve reviewed the RFP and gathered your requirements, you may start your application.

Apply Now

The Reengaging Opportunity Youth in the South initiative is made possible with the generous support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Additional resources: See the Rebuild page for more information about how cities and partners are responding to increased school disconnection and chronic absence due to pandemic conditions.

For more information and questions concerning the Reengaging Opportunity Youth in the Southinitiative, please email reengagement@nlc.org.